Online Gambling Experts Question Online Casinos In Canada

Whenever an issue as volatile as online gambling comes to the forefront of political debates, both the pro and anti-gambling groups scurry to find experts that will back their point of view. In Canada, two such experts questioning online casinos have been found.

Robert Williams, Coordinator of the Alberta Gaming Research Institute, is disputing the claim that millions of dollars are currently leaving Canadian provinces and heading towards offshore online gambling sites. Williams also believes that even when provinces offer their own form of gambling, change may not occur.

"This is a fairly saturated and mature market for new online companies to try and break into," said Williams, as reported by The Montreal Gazette. "Existing offshore jurisdictions will always retain a strong competitive advantage."

Others opposed to online gaming in Canada have played the crime card. As is the case with most land-based casinos, online gambling does present some dangers. These dangers, however, are no more dangerous that those associated with other activities, according to some analysts.

"Online gambling does create an opportunity for gamblers to play in their own homes and that could lead to non-stop play," said Gaming Analyst Steve Schwartz. "If the site is regulated correctly, however, Canadian residents should be protected against losing large amounts in short periods of time."

In recent months, British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan have all expressed interest in starting online casinos. B.C. has already launched their site, but had to pull it down just hours after the launch do to security issues.

The online gambling topic has become one of the top issues being debated by lawmakers in provinces all across Canada. The issue is also a point of contention for legislators in the US, where the Democratic led Congress is pushing for a repeal of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006.

August 19, 2010
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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